A colleague has brought the following opportunity to my attention: The USTR has advertised two attorney vacancies in the General Counsel’s office, at the GS-13 to GS-15 level. The key element appears to be the ability to read and analyze business and legal documents in Chinese. US citizenship is required, as is completion of a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and membership in a US bar.

Incumbent provides legal support for USTR personnel in connection with sectoral, bilateral, regional, and multinational trade negotiations. Incumbent also provides legal advice and represents the United States in dispute settlement proceedings convened under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs), and other trade agreements. In addition, incumbent provides legal advice to USTR personnel on U.S. trade law and policy, U.S. international trade obligations, foreign government compliance with trade agreement obligations, and the application and implementation of international trade agreements under U.S. law. The position requires the ability to read and analyze business and legal documents in Chinese. Experience researching Chinese laws and measures and litigation experience are preferred. The position requires familiarity with U.S. trade laws and U.S. rights and obligations under international trade agreements, particularly WTO agreements and U.S. FTAs. In addition, the position requires familiarity with the operation of dispute settlement procedures under U.S. trade agreements and the reports of WTO and FTA dispute settlement bodies. The position requires a high level of motivation, strong interpersonal skills, and management of a demanding workload.